Apple’s brand-new AirPods Pro 3 aren’t even on shelves yet, but if you’re a college student, you don’t have to pay full price. This is thanks to a verified student discount through Target Circle, letting you score the AirPods Pro 3 for just $199.99 — a full $50 off the preorder price of $249.99.
Target has confirmed on its website that students enrolled in Target Circle’s College Student Appreciation program are eligible for a one-time 20% discount on a qualifying storewide purchase.
While it might sound far-fetched that a new Apple product can be grabbed at a discount like this, users at Slickdeals have confirmed the AirPods Pro 3 still qualify at the time of writing.
That means if you sign in or join Target Circle now (for free), verify your student status with a school ID or tuition receipt, and you’ll then be granted the discount to knock 20% off your pre-order.
What’s more, because Target offers free shipping on orders over $35, you won’t be hit with extra postage and packaging costs either when the AirPods Pro 3 officially release on September 19, 2025.
As for what you get with the AirPods Pro 3, Apple has made some major upgrades this generation. The noise cancellation is now capable of blocking out twice as much background noise compared to the Pro 2, making them even better for travel and commuting.
They also introduce built-in heart rate sensing, Live Translation powered by Apple Intelligence, and improved hearing health features like at-home hearing tests and enhanced Conversation Boost.
Battery life has also been extended, offering up to 8 hours with Active Noise Cancellation and as much as 10 hours in Transparency mode when using the new hearing aid function.
A redesigned fit with five sizes of ear tips rounds out the improvements for comfort and sound quality.
This deal is especially notable because Apple gear typically doesn’t see discounts until months after launch. While some at least small cuts could arrive during upcoming events like Black Friday, it’s unlikely we’ll see $199 AirPods Pro 3 again this year.
If you’re a student and have been waiting to upgrade your earbuds, this is one of the rare times you can preorder Apple hardware below MSRP. Just don’t forget, the 20% Circle discount is single-use and must be redeemed by September 27, 2025
Ben Williams – IGN freelance contributor with over 10 years of experience covering gaming, tech, film, TV, and anime. Follow him on Twitter/X @BenLevelTen.
